Nattapong Westwood

Nattapong Westwood is a Bangkok-born writer who is half Thai and half Aussie. He studied in an international school in Bangkok and then pursued journalism studies in Melbourne. Nattapong began his career as a freelance writer before joining Thaiger. His passion for news writing fuels his dedication to the craft, as he consistently strives to deliver engaging content to his audience.
  • Thailand Weather UpdatesSevere cold hits Thailand’s north as south braces for storms | Thaiger

    Severe cold hits Thailand’s north as south braces for storms

    The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued a warning of severe cold weather in the north and northeast, with frost expected on mountaintops. Meanwhile, eight provinces in the south are bracing for thunderstorms, as the country experiences varying weather patterns. The high-pressure system or cold air mass, persists over the upper part of Thailand and the northern part of the…

  • Crime NewsMan arrested for defrauding tourists in Maharaj café scam | Thaiger

    Man arrested for defrauding tourists in Maharaj café scam

    A man posing as the owner of a popular café in the Maharaj area has been arrested after deceiving a group of Chinese tourists before fleeing with their money. The suspect, 55 year old Kritsana, was apprehended by police in a fraud case, having a notorious history of similar offences. His arrest follows an incident involving eight hearing-impaired Chinese tourists…

  • Crime NewsIllegal health products worth 220 million baht destroyed | Thaiger

    Illegal health products worth 220 million baht destroyed

    Police have taken a significant step in the fight against illegal health products, destroying over 38,880 kilograms of unlicensed items worth more than 220 million baht (US$6.4 million). The operation, conducted at Bangpoo Industrial Estate, Samut Prakan, involved burning illicit drugs, food, cosmetics, and medical equipment. At 10am yesterday, December 23, the collaborative effort was led by senior officials from…

  • Road deathsMan dies as pickup truck plunges into Pasak River after collision | Thaiger

    Man dies as pickup truck plunges into Pasak River after collision

    A 38 year old man tragically lost his life after his pickup truck plunged into the Pasak River, following multiple collisions with a barrier. Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing moments as efforts to rescue the driver proved unsuccessful. At 7.30pm yesterday, December 23, police received a report of a pickup truck veering off course, crashing into a barrier at a U-turn…

  • Thailand NewsSurin fire leaves couple homeless, losses over 2.5 million baht | Thaiger

    Surin fire leaves couple homeless, losses over 2.5 million baht

    A devastating fire engulfed the home of a couple, 59 year old Yom Boonchure, and 62 year old Yee Thongmak, in Ban Sanuan, Surin province, destroying their possessions, including cash, gold, and silk, amounting to over 2.5 million baht. Yesterday, December 23, locals gathered to offer support, with efforts underway to salvage partially burnt banknotes. On the morning of December…

  • Thailand NewsThai government to launch digital wallet phase three with 10000 baht aid | Thaiger

    Thai government to launch digital wallet phase three with 10000 baht aid

    The Thai government has announced the next phase of its digital wallet initiative, providing 10,000 baht to eligible citizens. This initiative, aimed at bolstering the economy, will not be distributed in cash but through a digital wallet system. The Deputy Minister of Finance, Paophum Rojanasakul, recently stated that the proposal for this distribution would be presented to the Cabinet today,…

  • Road deathsMotorcyclist critically injured after phone distraction leads to crash | Thaiger

    Motorcyclist critically injured after phone distraction leads to crash

    A 30 year old motorcyclist was severely injured after crashing into the back of a parked six-wheel truck while being distracted by his mobile phone. Witnesses reported that he was on his phone throughout the journey. The incident took place at 8.45pm yesterday, Decemebr 23, on the Uthai Thani to Nong Chang road, heading towards Nong Chang. Local police from…

  • Phuket NewsHusband strangles wife to death in Phuket tragedy | Thaiger

    Husband strangles wife to death in Phuket tragedy

    A tragic incident unfolded when a husband strangled his wife to death in their rented home in Pa Khlok, Thalang district, Phuket. Colleagues of the victim expressed sorrow, revealing that she had recently mentioned feeling relieved after her husband had moved out with his belongings. However, he returned and committed the heinous act early this morning, December 24, at 5.05am.…

  • Bangkok NewsFire in Bangkok’s Phetkasem community damages four homes | Thaiger

    Fire in Bangkok’s Phetkasem community damages four homes

    A fire broke out in the Phetkasem 114 community, spreading to four houses late yesterday evening, December 23. Emergency services were alerted at 10.03pm by the Rama Radio Centre via hotline 199, reporting a blaze engulfing residential homes on Phetkasem Road, Nong Khang Phlu, in the Nong Khaem district of Bangkok. Firefighters from the Nong Khaem Fire and Rescue Station…

  • Thailand NewsRare serow surprises tourists at Khao Yai National Park | Thaiger

    Rare serow surprises tourists at Khao Yai National Park

    A rare sighting of a two year old male serow has delighted tourists at Khao Yai National Park. The friendly mammal, often elusive due to its habitat in steep mountainous regions, casually approached visitors at a campsite, allowing for close interactions and selfies. Khao Yai National Park, located at the junction of Nakhon Nayok and Pak Chong in Nakhon Ratchasima,…

  • South Thailand NewsPipe bomb attack injures four officers at Narathiwat base | Thaiger

    Pipe bomb attack injures four officers at Narathiwat base

    A brazen attack occurred yesterday, December 21, as assailants hurled a pipe bomb at the Border Patrol Police base in Narathiwat, leaving four officers with minor injuries. The incident, captured on CCTV, has prompted a manhunt ordered by local police. At approximately 6.37pm, the incident unfolded at the Border Patrol Police Operation Base 934, located in Bura Pue, Kokkien subdistrict,…

  • Crime NewsDutch tourist fined 3000 baht for stunts on Koh Samui | Thaiger

    Dutch tourist fined 3000 baht for stunts on Koh Samui

    A Dutch tourist found himself in trouble after being caught performing dangerous stunts on a motorcycle in Koh Samui. His actions, including popping wheelies and revving loudly, drew the attention of local police, who were not amused by his claim of ignorance regarding Thai laws. The incident came to light following a Facebook post in a group dedicated to Samui…

  • Road deathsMotorcyclist plunges into canal following GPS mishap in Thailand | Thaiger

    Motorcyclist plunges into canal following GPS mishap in Thailand

    A 24 year old man found himself in a precarious situation after his Honda Forza 350 motorbike plunged into a canal. The incident occurred late yesterday, December 17, as he was trying to follow GPS instructions while returning home. CCTV footage captured the moment of the accident, which took place just before midnight. Vatcharent had been riding his motorbike towards…

  • Bangkok NewsPolice arrest loan shark gang at Ministry of Culture | Thaiger

    Police arrest loan shark gang at Ministry of Culture

    A dramatic arrest unfolded at the Ministry of Culture when police apprehended members of a loan shark gang accused of charging extortionate interest rates and intimidating debtors. The operation, led by Montri Teshakun, targeted 30 year old Veeraphat, and 23 year old Meentada, who were charged with operating an unauthorised personal loan business and lending money at rates exceeding legal…

  • Crime NewsPolice Region 5 seizes 6.8 million meth pills in major bust | Thaiger

    Police Region 5 seizes 6.8 million meth pills in major bust

    Police Region 5 coordinated with various agencies to announce a major drug bust, seizing 6.8 million methamphetamine pills from a drug trafficking network along the border. The operation, aiming to curb drug distribution within the country, was highlighted in a press conference held yesterday at the Police Region 5 headquarters. Key figures including Police Lieutenant General Kritthapol Yeesakhorn, the Commissioner…

  • Thailand NewsVillagers hope for lottery luck from century-old Takian trees | Thaiger

    Villagers hope for lottery luck from century-old Takian trees

    Villagers in Prachinburi have once again flocked to the revered century-old twin Takian trees, hoping for another stroke of luck after a successful lottery draw. Residents of Nong Tang village, located in the Kabin Buri district, have been visiting the site to offer traditional Thai attire and other dedications to the spirit of the trees. The villagers, who previously received…

  • South Thailand NewsLandslide on Koh Samui leaves two missing amid heavy rain | Thaiger

    Landslide on Koh Samui leaves two missing amid heavy rain

    Heavy rainfall over consecutive days on Koh Samui has led to a landslide that engulfed a workers’ camp, leaving two individuals missing. Police have launched a search operation, highlighting the precarious situation as the incident occurred in two separate events. Police in Koh Samui’s Surat Thani province received a distress call this morning regarding a landslide that buried a construction…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesCold front takes Thailand by storm: Brace for a chilling forecast | Thaiger

    Cold front takes Thailand by storm: Brace for a chilling forecast

    The Meteorological Department of Thailand (TMD) issued a weather warning for today, predicting cold to very cold conditions due to a strong cold air mass. Severe thunderstorms are expected to hit 14 provinces, including Bangkok. In the latest forecast, the TMD indicated that a relatively strong high-pressure system or cold air mass from China has now extended to northern Vietnam…

  • Bangkok NewsYoung engineering student stabbed to death in Bangkok attack | Thaiger

    Young engineering student stabbed to death in Bangkok attack

    A young engineering student was fatally stabbed by a gang of youths on motorcycles in Bangkok yesterday. The incident took place near the entrance of Soi Phetkasem 55/2 in Bang Khae, leaving a 19 year old dead and his friend narrowly escaping harm. Police Lieutenant Yanapol Phonyiem received reports of the fatal stabbing, with officers, forensic specialists, and a medical…

  • Road deathsVan crash on Doi Inthanon injures several, damages vehicles | Thaiger

    Van crash on Doi Inthanon injures several, damages vehicles

    A van descending Doi Inthanon crashed into a pickup and a Pajero, causing extensive damage and injuring several people. This incident occurred today at 10am on the road descending from Doi Inthanon towards Chom Thong district in Chiang Mai, just before the entrance to the Wachirathan Waterfall. The scene was chaotic, with a white Pajero severely damaged and stationary in…

  • Road deathsDrunk driving tragedy claims young footballers’ lives in Thailand | Thaiger

    Drunk driving tragedy claims young footballers’ lives in Thailand

    A tragic incident unfolded when a celebratory return journey turned fatal for a group of young footballers. Two teenagers lost their lives, and 10 others sustained injuries after a pickup truck veered off the road and collided with an electricity pole. The accident occurred as the group was heading home from a seven-a-side football championship in Kamphaeng Phet province. The…

  • Crime NewsA 60 year old man found stabbed 20 times in Thai paddy field | Thaiger

    A 60 year old man found stabbed 20 times in Thai paddy field

    A 60 year old man was found dead in a paddy field after a night out drinking with old friends. The discovery, made by a local, revealed the man had been stabbed 20 times. The incident took place yesterday, December 5, in the rural area of Khlong Khlung, Kamphaeng Phet province. The body was found in the village’s paddy fields,…

  • Crime NewsCyber police arrest Khon Kaen lottery tipster over illegal gambling | Thaiger

    Cyber police arrest Khon Kaen lottery tipster over illegal gambling

    Cyber police raided a hermitage in Khon Kaen, arresting a renowned lottery tipster for promoting illegal online gambling. The tipster, with a large following, admitted to receiving a monthly payment of 15,000 baht for advertising online lottery links. Following complaints from the public, cyber police launched an investigation into a popular TikToker known for spiritual content, who commands an audience…

  • Thailand Weather UpdatesRain check: Thailand provinces brace for a flood of trouble | Thaiger

    Rain check: Thailand provinces brace for a flood of trouble

    Weather conditions across Thailand prompted warnings for heavy rain and potential flash floods in 10 provinces, with Bangkok experiencing morning fog and a minimum temperature of 24 degrees Celsius. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) reported that the northeast monsoon, covering the Gulf of Thailand and the southern region, has weakened. Meanwhile, a low-pressure area near the Strait of Malacca is…

  • Thailand NewsThailand braces for weather changes amid rising temperatures | Thaiger

    Thailand braces for weather changes amid rising temperatures

    Thailand is experiencing significant weather changes, with the Meteorological Department (TMD) warning of rising temperatures in the north and severe monsoon conditions in the south. Heavy rainfall is expected in eight provinces, leading to potential flash floods and landslides. TMD has forecasted weather conditions for the next 24 hours indicating that the high-pressure system and moderate cold air mass covering…

  • Crime NewsHeroic driver rams gunman on motorcycle in Phatthalung | Thaiger

    Heroic driver rams gunman on motorcycle in Phatthalung

    A dramatic incident unfolded today when a brave man reversed his pickup truck to ram into a motorcycle whose rider had been firing shots at random vehicles. Police have identified the suspect and are poised to issue an arrest warrant on charges of attempted murder. Today, October 27, Police Lieutenant Pakorn Chaiprom from Lam Pam Police Station in Mueang district,…

  • Thailand NewsDiamond ring recovered after 30-hour search in Nakhon Phanom landfill (video) | Thaiger

    Diamond ring recovered after 30-hour search in Nakhon Phanom landfill (video)

    A diamond ring lost in a rubbish pit in Nakhon Phanom sparked significant social media interest after its owner spent 30 hours searching for it. The incident was documented on TikTok, capturing the extensive efforts to recover the ring. The story began when the owner removed the diamond ring while washing hands, only to have it accidentally fall into the…

  • Crime NewsPolice pursue school director’s daughter for 15 million baht fraud | Thaiger

    Police pursue school director’s daughter for 15 million baht fraud

    Police are set to issue a summons for the daughter of a school director involved in a fraudulent savings scheme that has swindled over 15 million baht. The family maintains they were unaware of her actions, and her whereabouts remain unknown. A significant case emerged in Ban Kruat district, Buriram province, where local traders presented evidence, including chat messages and…

  • Crime NewsMan cuts off EM bracelet, takes girlfriend hostage in Chon Buri | Thaiger

    Man cuts off EM bracelet, takes girlfriend hostage in Chon Buri

    A man recently released on bail cut off his electronic monitoring bracelet and took his girlfriend hostage at a condominium in Chon Buri. Police stormed the unit after negotiations failed, rescuing the woman and arresting the suspect. Today, October 27, police, led by Police Colonel Wattanachai Sangrit, coordinated with over 20 officers and local government officials to raid a condominium…

  • Thailand NewsTourists save injured Mae Khaeng turtle Kamkaew with quick action | Thaiger

    Tourists save injured Mae Khaeng turtle Kamkaew with quick action

    A group of tourists played a crucial role in rescuing a critically injured turtle named Kamkaew at Mae Khaeng Luang Waterfall. The turtle was found immobile on the sand, suffering from visible injuries. Swift action by the tourists and park officials ensured Kamkaew received timely medical attention. Yesterday, Wiang Kosai National Park’s Facebook page shared images and details about the…